Give me a sign

[Juanita Stidham]

The sky was an explosion of pale color as the sun began to start a slow descent towards the horizon. Why Juanita had picked this time of day to meet up with Keith was alarmingly obvious and she shook her head before letting out a small sigh, and looking up to the skies. She barely there winter air was cool against her skin and the whole park was bathed in a faint golden halo. It was this time of day the park was at its quietest. The families with their children had long since returned to their homes and and trouble making teenagers wouldn't make an appearance until well after dark. The breeze made the unusually tall grass flow in gentle waves, a sea of gold and green, the grass not being completely beaten down by the not so harsh conditions of an Australian winter.

She came here to think, to get away from the stresses of life, this was by far the best time to do so. No one seemed to want to slow down and enjoy whats right infront of them any more. Always trying to get to the next best thing, never satisfied with what they had. Juanita was as guilty of it as the next person, wanting out of her job at the ministry and all... but it was still sad. Her outfit finally matched the weather, even if the shirt was just a bit too dressy. While she waited for Keith from her seat under the tree she closed her eyes and tilted her head back just slightly, letting the wind play with her chocolate tresses and enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face, A small smile on her face. There was something different about tonight, she just couldn't place what it was.

 

[Keith Mercer]

After a stressful few months, Keith had finally returned back to Australia. He had only been back a few days, but it was enough to make him realise just how much he missed his home. He never would have guessed how much he would like Australia when he first made plans to move there, but after a few years, it was more his home than England ever was. He had decided to spend a week on the East coast of Australia, taking Gabriel sight-seeing during the gaps between a few business meetings. After quitting his Professor position to be able to better look after his sick Father, Keith had also taken up the family business again. Leaving Hogwarts was a hard decision, but one that had to be made, especially when his Fathers health didn't look like it was getting better.

Keith dragged a hand across his freshly shaven cheek as he apparated to a safe spot near the park. He had a date with Juanita, and yes he would call it a date. He would be lying if he said he didn't like her and he almost knew for certain that she was into him as well. He walked at a brisk pace, the back of his mind on Gabriel, Keith wondered if it was a good idea to leave him with Melissa, but his mind dismissed the thought. Melissa was a great Mother, having raised his own kids brilliantly. Still, it didn't stop him worrying just that little bit.

The cool air, leaving his cheeks a light shade of pink as he walked, Keith noticed Juanita under a tree. He mentally congratulated Juanita on picking the perfect time of day to meet. The setting sun left spindly shadows of trees decorating the grass as the warm colour soaked into Keith's skin. Keith's appreciation of the scenery turned into appreciation of the peaceful beauty that was Juanita. Settling down under the tree beside her, Keith placed a kiss to her cheek. "Hey." He whispered, feeling truly relaxed after the stressful turn his life had just taken.